Elliot: I missed the Project RED preso at ISTE 2010 in Denver but I was able to catch the rerun one School News! And, it was a block buster of a story!
Cathie: You are drawing this out unnecessarily. Cut to the chase, please and remind our readers what Project RED is before you drop into RED’s findings.
Elliot: Pretty demanding are you this morning.
Cathie: So now you talk like Yoda?
Elliot: ARGH! Project RED is run by several nationally-recognized educational groups and they have been collecting data, over the Internet, on how technology is being used in America’s schools. Their goal is to show that using technology not only leads to increased student achievement, but it saves schools money, too.
Cathie: Given that to a first order approximation technology has had zero impact on K-12 over the past 40 years, Project RED has quite a mountain to climb.
Elliot: Apparently over the past few years, some K-12 schools have learned how to use technology effectively.
Cathie: America needs those data; I am all ears.
Elliot: This is a multi-step argument so strap on your seat belt. Project RED has data that say a 1:1 rollout …
Cathie:… where every child receives a computing device for their personal use 24/7…
Elliot: … is no more likely to improve scores on high stakes tests than using computers in the conventional manner…
Cathie: .. you mean like with COWS (computers on wheels) or labs?
Elliot: … I think so. I couldn’t find more detail on the Project RED website, but perhaps if I looked more carefully…
Cathie: That is a significant finding! Inasmuch as the cost of implementing 1:1 is high compared to implementing COWS and labs, if 1:1 doesn’t buy you more than conventional use of computers then there is no point for a school to go ahead and spend that extra money and go 1:1!!!
Elliot: Just the inference I was going to make – thank you.
Cathie: But surely 1:1 does have value!
Elliot: Yes, Project RED did see that when “properly implemented” 1:1 did have an advantage over conventional use of computers.
Cathie: “Properly implemented” – what does that mean?
Elliot: Patience, patience, patience… There are a number of factors that RED has identified that define “properly implemented.” I have included those factors in a Table below.
Cathie: While you were blithering on, I went to the Project RED website and reviewed a PowerPoint they used at ISTE. RED points out no school used all the top 6 factors. That’s most unfortunate.
Elliot: Truly and it is even more unfortunate that schools that have gone to the trouble of implementing 1:1 do not have the students use their computing devices on a daily, regular basis!!
Cathie: But Project RED does show the significant amount of money that America saves by the decrease in the drop-out rate associated with the use of technology.
Elliot: High drop out rates…
Cathie: You mean like Detroit’s, where it is almost 80% for high schoolers?
Elliot: .. have a ripple effect way beyond the economic numbers.
Cathie: Principals and Superintendents: Project RED is a must read. (The entire report will be available in October) Finally, used “properly” technology can make a difference in America’s schools.
Speaking of using technology properly, what do you guys think about this http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/117625-california-testing-ipads-as-algebra-textbooks. It seems like a school in California is giving 8th grades Ipads to replace their algebra books. And then comparing their scores to their peers who use traditional textbooks. Interesting article, any predictions on the outcome? My only comment is I hope they are using it to replace all their textbooks and not just algebra, I don't see any reason to limit it unless the other subjects aren't available.
Posted by: Landen Zackery | 09/09/2010 at 06:16 PM
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the freedom to choose his attitude in any given set of circumstances.
Posted by: coach outlet | 01/07/2011 at 07:53 PM
Wise man have their mouths in their hearts, fools have their hearts in their mouths.
Posted by: Moncler outlet | 09/13/2011 at 07:16 AM
A great post. Keep update!I really like the content of your article.
Posted by: juicy couture outlet | 09/21/2011 at 02:12 AM
Already been reading for a couple of days now.. I want to see more！Your article is the best, I will love them
Posted by: Moncler outlet | 09/21/2011 at 02:17 AM
Thanks for the great article. So fun article is! I agree the idea! I have watched you articles for a long time, very like.
Posted by: Moncler outlet | 09/21/2011 at 02:20 AM
Thanks for the great article. So fun article is! I agree the idea! I have watched you articles for a long time, very like.
Posted by: belstaff outlet | 09/27/2011 at 11:23 PM
Hello! You are college students do? Have such good writing, writing such a good article, I'll see you this subscription; I will focus your blog every day. Thank you! You share with us!
Posted by: Coach Factory | 09/29/2011 at 11:57 PM
Good post, let a person big open horizon. I look forward to more updates and will be returning.Cheers!
Posted by: North face coupons | 10/04/2011 at 11:08 PM
Very nice site,In future i ready to hear more from you.i like your post.so In future i ready to hear more from youVery nice site,In future i ready to hear more from you.i like your post.so In future i ready to hear more from you
Posted by: Belstaff Leather Jacket | 10/04/2011 at 11:10 PM